BRAD MEHLDAU TRIO - Seymour Reads the ConstitutionNonesuch Records 7559-79344-3Brad Mehldau (piano) Larry Grenadier (bass) Jeff Ballard (drums). Recorded at Avatar Studios, New York. Date not givenI’ve been listening to the music of Brad Mehldau since 1998 and have collected most of his recorded output so what follows may sound like more of a paean than a critique. I have to admit to finding him the most consistently stimulating of contemporary jazz pianists even though, in a burgeoning field, there is an abundance of fabulous talent that can claim to be more committed to the pure expression of jazz fundamentals. What interests me about Mehldau is his ability to infuse the jazz idiom with elements of European romanticism which enrich his harmonic formulations and make for music that is profuse in inner detail and rhythmic tension melding (honestly, no pun intended) the extrovert and the introspective in a way that make his interpretation of even quite simple themes weighty and significant without ever becoming radically avant-garde.This latest recording unites him with the trio he established in 2005, when Jeff Ballard replaced the more sedate Jorge Rossy, and represents a further affirmation of his eminence in the field, revealing a well-rehearsed working unit in complete command of its interactive `house` style with bass and drums always prominent in the mix whether weaving the underlying fabric or providing solo contrast in dialogue with the leader. As ever Mehldau’s playlist is fascinating in its diversity combining jazz standards with pop tunes and original compositions. The title track, which refers to a dream experience involving the late actor Philip Seymour Hoffman, is a loping blues waltz with a tinge of tragedy in its melody whilst the other originals give the pianist plenty of opportunity to demonstrate his ambidextrous technique and liking for the complex left hand vamps. In a more conventional but nonetheless idiosyncratic mode he explores Elmo Hope’s bop tune `De-Dah` and Sam River’s lovely theme, `Beatrice` whilst the familiar standard, `Almost Like Being in Love` is kitted out with Mehldonian embellishments bringing into line with the overall ethos.Like its immediate predecessor `Blues and Ballads`, `Seymour` is another fine addition to the Mehldau discography and one that will delight both his legions of followers and those coming new to this highly prolific and distinctive artist.Reviewed by Euan Dixon

ECM celebrates 50 years of music production with the Touchstones series of re-issues